Expectations

In reading through 1 Timothy today, I came to the popular verse targeted towards young people.  I’ll be teaching on this in a few weeks for some youth, so I thought it would be good to share here as well.  I was thinking about why Paul would even bring this up to Timothy.  He said, “do not let anyone look down on you…”

I think that assumes that people were looking down on others maybe similar in age or demographic to Timothy.  It assumes that a precedent had been set from someone else and Paul was instructing Timothy not to fall into that mold.  Young people have a stereotype set on them by the greater culture and many do not fail to live up (or down) to this standard.  Past experiences or memories come to the forefront in looking at those younger.

That can all be different though. God is raising up young people all across our country that are breaking the mold set by the millions of others before us.  Changing a stereotype is hard.  But you are seeing it.  Next week I will join 12,000 other young leaders at the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta.  This is a time of breaking stereotypes as 12,000 passionate change makers converge in one location.  Stories of amazing impact are heard from participants for the rest of the year.  The same is true of people that have gotten on board with World Causes and Free Chains.  People want to make a difference and shatter the stereotype that young people can not make a difference.  If you want to help, visit these sites and if you’re in Atlanta next week, stop by for an incredible 3 days!!